Final - West Virginia 34, Syracuse 13

View full sizeFrank Ordoñez / The Post-StandardWest Virginia's Noel Devine rushes for yards against Syracuse University during first quarter action at the Dome. Syracuse, NY -- West Virginia scored the first four times it touched the ball and Syracuse took an ugly step backward and played like the Orange of the last four years. The result was a 34-13 loss to the Mountaineers in a Big East Conference game on Saturday before 40,144 at the newly christened Ernie Davis Legends Field at the Carrier Dome.

West Virginia quarterback Jarrett Brown completed 22-of-30 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown over the first three quarters. Ryan Clarke rushed for two touchdowns and Jock Sanders rushed for another for West Virginia, which has now beaten Syracuse eight consecutive seasons.

Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus threw an interception on the Orange's first possession. It was his 10th interception of the season and led to a quick West Virginia touchdown - an 11-yard run by Noel Devine.

At halftime, Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone replaced Paulus, who was 5-of-9 passing for 30 yards. Ryan Nassib played the second half and threw touchdown passes to Mike Williams (50 yards) and Marcus Sales (24 yards). Clearly, it was too little, too late.

Syracuse drops to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in the Big East. West Virginia improves to 4-1 and 1-0.